Colleagues from Groningen visiting

One of our first posts was Michaels last day of work early march. Half joking, plans were made that the colleagues from Groningen would come and visit us here in Kristiansand. And almost half a year later they actually came. Absolutely fantastic to be host to them!

After a days travel they arrived at one o'clock at night in Kristiansand night 21. september. It was one of the coldest nights this season, near freezing point. Most of them stayed in Budgethotel (the budget bit is true). Three stayed at our place.

Friday moning started with breakfast at Michaels office. Michaels boss gave a brief introduction to the (plans of) the city of Kristiansand. Then a short tour through the city where we couldn't miss this off course.

After that we walked to a lookout point over the city.

In the afternoon most of us went to the Nøgne ø brewery in Grimstad: the uncompromising brewery. It started as a micro brewery, but has grown and now houses in an old energy plant. We got a tour and got to taste beers of course.

I think most of us were impressed by their India Pale Ale (we are at least)

Than back to Kristiansand for food and more beer.

Saturday morning we served breakfast at our place. At 11 o'clock a colleague from Michaels new work came. From our house we did the a city tour and got to see a lot of places we heard about the day before. We experienced Kristiansands three H's (Hav = Sea, Hus = houses or city and Hei = the wood very close by). Here we are near the harbour.

and past the fishmarket to the concerthall with a very special architecture: Kilden

We ended with the charm of Posebyen. This is the old part of the city centre that survived the last city fire in the 1890's.

The last evening we served food and drinks at our place which fortunately is big enough to house 14. The whole weekend the weather was fantastic and we could even sit on the balcony in the late afternoon on saturday. Marianne made fantastic food and the fridge was filled with nice goodies.Here a view from our hous in nice autumn surroundings.

We feel priviliged that so many former colleagues come to visit us here. Realy moving.

Thanks to Cor van der Veen for taking beautiful pictures that we are allowed to show here!!